Arsenal Grind Out 1-0 Win at Napoli

Martin Ødegaard's 75th-minute strike gave Arsenal victory in Naples, though both Declan Rice and Mikel Arteta felt the win should have been far more comfortable.

Published 10 September 2026 1 min read Sportpul editorial

Rice and Ødegaard celebrate Arsenal's victory over Napoli in the Champions League

Arsenal won 1-0 at Napoli in their opening Champions League match, and by their own account should have won by more.

Martin Ødegaard settled it on the 75th minute, his 47th goal for the club since joining in February 2021. Declan Rice, on the scoresheet only in the sense that his midfield play helped create the chances, called the misses a waste.

The manager's assessment of the Napoli game matched his midfielder's.

Arteta praised Ødegaard's finish.

Asked afterwards whether any Napoli player had caught his eye, Arteta declined to single out an opponent.

Arsenal are next at home to Lille in the second round of the Champions League league phase, before travelling to Bournemouth on Saturday, 12 September in the Premier League.

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